Unlike previous console generations, video gaming has evolved past its stereotypical "nerdy" image. Now recognized by the mainstream market, gamers as a whole have educated themselves as to what elements in games are condusive to entertainment. And as a result, developers were compelled to recognize these newly developed interests and deliver in a timely fashion. Thanks to the recent release of Incog's Twisted Metal: Black, car combat action has been reborn. However, its mature theme alone is enough to alienate many younger gamers in particular, or even newcomers to the genre. With Christmas around the corner, and very few Xbox titles geared towards general audiences, EA's Cel Damage is a excellent adaption to the vehicular mayhem formula, adorned by cartoonish proportions.

Cel Damage is a well-balanced action game based upon a destruction debry program of the same name in which constestants compete in a series of no-holds barred events to eliminate their opponents. Players can select from a diverse cast (6 in total, including 4 boss characters, more on that later), including the demon vixen Violet, masterminding Flemming among other characters of intrigue. EA has even thrown in a modest video sequence which describes how each of the characters were selected to be on the show.

The action takes place within four themed worlds, respectively based in areas such Translyvania, and even as far as outer space. Each enviroment features three distinct game modes, governed by a boss unique to each world. By successfully defeating them in each event which will allow you to later select them as a playable character. But don't expect this to be any feat. Cel Damage may look like child's play, but it packs enough challenge for even the most seasoned gamer! Thus, you'll want to take every advantage to employ the assorted range of gags (power-ups) such as baseball bats, chain guns, shrink ray guns and giant axes. And each weapon captures the wacky style of a cartoon gone amuck that incites plenty of laughs as you slice, dice and eliminate the competition in your quest for victory. Use them liberally or accept the consequences.

Visually, Cel Damage is one of the best titles which makes use of cel-shaded technology. The framework of the respective vehicles exhibit a series of cartoonish dynamics -- specifically in an exaggerated fashion as the explode, wield collected powerups and give players the sense of being within a virtual cartoon. Game enviroments include a modest degree of interactive elements, all which are designed to impede your progress which include Venus flytraps and a speedy locomotive (it always seems to arrive on time to crush some unattentive victim). The controls are very straightforward, user-friendly and readily responsive (yes, despite the fact that the Xbox pad is a massive weight in your hands). I haven't seen this level of precision since Twisted Metal, a game which surely have been an inspirational to future car combat titles.

Beyond that, there's really nothing groundbreaking to acknowledge. Cel Damage has a very straightforward premise, and it's emphasis is on simply having fun. No overly complex mechanics that will compel you to yank the controller from its socket. On that note, the in-game sounds consist of a variety of typical cartoon effects that could only be rivaled by the wizards of Warner Bros. themself. Plus, there's ample sound samples uttered from the cast which can are either uttered from an opponent taking you out (very common in Smack Attack) or can be activated by using the Taunt feature.

Cel Damage is an excellent first-generation title. Featuring a variety of of humorous antics, mutiplayer options (which sadly I was unable to truly experience) easily make this an enjoyable package for beginners to the car combat genre and a welcome, fun holiday gift for younger audiences.

· · · Bahn